A ‘respected’ criminal barrister who went on the run after sexually assaulting a teenage girl was today jailed for four years.
Desmond Rosario, formerly at St John’s Chambers, Manchester, was reported to police on 1 November 2013 for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl at an address in Sheffield.
In June 2014 he failed to appear to a hearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court, but was arrested in Birmingham after being featured on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme. He was convicted at Leicester Crown Court after pleading not guilty.
Investigating officer detective constable Judith Profitt said: ‘Rosario was a respected criminal law barrister who held a position of power and trust in the community. However, he is not above the law and his despicable behaviour has been recognised by the jury today.
‘He continually denied his guilt, putting his victim through the traumatic trial process and further prolonging her anguish. I hope today’s conviction allows the victim the closure she needs to move on from this painful chapter in her life.’
